Pitless adapter



Oct. 27, 1964 A. M. PETERSON 3,154,148

PITLEss ADAPTER Filed April 19, 1962 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 "MKM Arm/wmf Oct.27, 1964 A. M. PE'rI-:RsoN

PITLESS ADAPTER Filed April 19. 1962 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 d /N VEA/raf?.

ANDREW M PETE/as 0N BK m i* W TTP/YEK Oct. 27, 1964 A. M. PETERSONPITLESS ADAPTER R. N 3 0 t l 5 m N m S M l w E n M S s w E R w A 66 2 HUM 2 a 0 M x 4 0 6 o, w 4 q X/h W M :flf f W il M /M 1M W M J \||||||\l|\M M 2 7 /7 4 AV l 1. M K WU UM .Olm I :I i l w l w NM v. v .n 6 aan@ 6m. M n (I 34 d 6 Z/ 2 e 4 3 9.( 2 a m f wf w w Erm M 47m/mex UnitedStates Patent O mear/ts PITLESS ABAPTER Andrew M. Peterson, 4151 68thSt., Des Moines, Iowa Fiied Apr. 19, 1962, Ser. No. 188,724 19 Caims.(Cl. 16d-it) This invention relates to improvements in water pumpingapparatus of the type generally referred to as pitless adapters orpitless pumps. In such apparatus, the operating parts and dischargepoints are located in the ground below the frost line and a pit, whichis commonly used with underground pumps but which is objectionable forsanitary reasons, is eliminated with the pitless adapter assembly whichemploys a well casing extending above the ground surface through whichoperating parts of the pump can be inserted and Withdrawn in a wellknown manner. n

In any water pumping apparatus of this type 1t 1s 1mportant that therebe adequate means for a fluid seal engagement between the undergrounddischarge port 1n the well casing and the water discharge line from thepump, and also that the construction of the adapter assembly permit ofeasy and eicient access to the pump unit for servicing and withdrawalfor repairs or maintenance. Several pitless adapters or pitless pumpshave been designed by others to solve these problems in various wayswhich I have found not entirely satisfactory. Some of the presentadapters have simplified the means of withdrawing the pump head at theexpense of a more complicated sealing arrangement relative to thedischarge port and others have done just the reverse. In my apparatus, Ihave overcome these disadvantages and one of the important objectscontemplated herein is -the provision of a pitless adapter that includesimproved and more eiiicient structure both as to the sealing arrangementrelative to the underground discharge port and also as to the means forpermitting access to and withdrawal of the pump unit.

More particularly it is one of the objects herein to provide a taperedconstruction within the well casing at the vicinity of the undergrounddischarge port whereby the diameter of said well casing below thedischarge port is less than the diameter thereof above the port. Insituations of small casing bores of less than eight inch diameter thismay be provided by a tapered bore portion in the well casing which isprogressively of less diameter from a point just above the undergrounddischarge port to a point just below such port, and in larger borecasings of eight inch diameter or greater, I provide separate taperedsections above and below the discharge port to avoid any undue reductionin diameter below the port that would result from a continuousprogressive taper. In both instances, the result is the same Within theconcept of this invention as will appear.

Another object is to provide that the diameter at the lower extremity ofthe taper below the discharge port is equal to or greater than thediameter of the well casing below into which the pump unit is mounted.By this arrangement, a tool of comparable caliber as the casing bore canbe easily used for pulling the pump, if necessary, and thereby avoidsthe problem frequently encountered of the necessity for using a smallercaliber tool to negotiate restricted areas in the passageway to thepump.

A further object includes a water discharge assembly for attachment tothe pump and for registration with the discharge port wherein verticallyspaced seal members, with a Water outlet in between, are designed foruid seal engagement with a tapered Well casing interior respectivelyabove and below the discharge port. Such a structure includes theadvantage of being self-centering and avoids any critical tolerances inaligning the water outlet in the discharge assembly with the dischargeport in the well casing.

3,154,148 Patented Oct. 27, i964 ICC Still another object includesadjustment means for effectively maintaining the sealing members insealing contact with the tapered surface under varying pump pressures.

Other features of this invention include improved air vent means andcable passageways through the water discharge assembly as well as thefact the structure above the pump unit is preferably made of steel toassure a longer life and more resistance to corrosion over materialspresently used. In addition I have provided a sleeve insert, to be usedwhen pulling a pump unit, for the purpose of protecting the highlymachined surface of the tapered bore portion from being damaged.

Further objects and the more obvious advantages of this invention willbe mentioned or else appear plainly from the description which follows.

This invention consists of novel parts and combination of parts to behereinafter described whereby the objects set forth are attained, aspointed out in the claims, and illustrated in the accompanying drawings,in which:

FIG. l is a perspective view of this invention with portions cut away tomore fully illustrate the construction thereof,

FIG. 2 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional View of the device shown inFIG. l,

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the air vent cap taken from the line 3 3 ofFIG. 2,

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional View of the well casing above thepump unit with the pull pipe and water discharge assembly removed andshowing the sleeve insert in place for protecting the tapered boreportion from damage by working tools,

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view taken on the line 5 5 of FIG. 4,

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary elevational View of the top portion of thisadapter showing the vent cap mounted to a ventical extension which is arequirement in certain areas where pitless installations are used,

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of this invention showing theadaptation of a large bore well casing for purposes of this invention,and

FIG. 8 is a top plan view taken from the line 8 8 in FIG. 7.

Referring to the drawings a well casing I@ is shown in relation to theground level I2, with the underground discharge port I4 in communicationwith the internally threaded stub pipe or fitting I6 on the outer sideof casing It) for attachment to a discharge line (not shown) in a wellknown manner. The bore of the casing It), at the area of the dischargeport 14, includes a tapered portion 18 extending downwardly and inwardlybeginning at an approximate point 2@ relatively close to but above portI4- and extending to approximately point 22 relatively close to butbelow port I4. rIhe exact location of points 2d and 22 are not critical,it being suiiicient if they are suitably placed respectively above andbelow port 14 for the proper operation of parts to be later described.The lower extremity of the tapered portion I8 actually defines the lowerend of casing l@ and a suitable adapter or reducer member 24 may beeither integral with or otherwise attached to casing I0 below portion 18and is designed to be attached as by welding to the underground casing(not shown) in which the pump (not shown) is mounted, as is well known.Casing 10 is preferably made of steel as I have found it is considerablymore durable than cast iron which is generally used in pitless units ofthis type, and also because the steel more readily lends itself to theuse of my tapered portion 18 which is an important part of this`invention.

The top 26 of casing 10 terminates in a circumferential- 1y projectingange or shoulder 28 which is provided with a plurality of spaced boltholes 30 near its perimeter.

A disc shaped top plate or cover 32 has a central opening 34 and spacedbolt holes 36 near its perimeter similarly arranged as holes 3G. Plate32 is designed to lie in juxtaposition with shoulder 23 and with holes30 and 36 in register to receive the respective bolts and nuts 38 forsecuring member 2S and 32 together.

A pull pipe 40 is removably attached at its upper end to plate 32 so asto depend therefrom in axial alignment into casing 10. Pipe 40 isexternally threaded at both the top end 42 and bottom end 44, and end d2extends upwardly through plate 32 -to support a Vent cap 45 which willbe referred .to later in more detail. Seal means in the form of washersit and 56 are mounted on pipe 40 respectively above and below plate 32and are tightened against such plate and opening 34 in securing pipe 40by the respective nuts 52 and 54. Preferably washers 48 and 5t) have therespective G-rings 56 and 58 set in grooves as shown in FIG. 2 for moreeffective sealing action. The relative adjustment of nuts 52 and S4makes possible the depth of penetration of pipe 4Q into casing forcertain adjustments that will become apparent and will be pointed out asthe description proceeds.

A slot or aperture 6h is formed in pipe 4) intermedi-- ate ends 42 and44 to provide a vent means from the interior of casing 16 into pipe 4hand out of the top thereof through cap 46. Such cap is threadablyattached to the top of pipe di?, is elongated in form and includes ahollow chamber 62 communicating at respective opposite ends with thedownwardly directed screened outlet ports 64 and 66. Cap 46, as shown inFIG. 2, is attached directly to pipe @il in relatively close proximityto plate 32 but may be mounted to a vertical extension pipe 68 (FIG. 6)which is attached to pipe 46 by a collar or sleeve 70. This may benecessary where specific heights are required for vent caps in certainlocalities.

The lower end 44 of pipe 4t? carries the water discharge assemblydesignated generally by the numeral 72 which includes an elongated pipemember 74 of like diameter as pipe 4t) and is externally threaded at theupper end 76 and at the lower end 78. Pipe 74 is plugged Si? at the topand the upper end 76 is secured to end 44 of pipe dit in axial alignmenttherewith by a sleeve or collar 82. Intermediate ends 75 and 73 on pipe74 there is secured the longitudinally spaced disc shape seal members 84and 86, with member 84 being the uppermost of the two and being of alarger diameter than member 86. In this respect, the perimeters ofmembers 84 and 86 are tapered and such members have diameters designedfor nesting and sealing contact with the tapered portion 18,respectively above and below the port 14. Intermediate members 84 and86, pipe 74- is provided with a transverse opening or Water outlet 88 incommunication with the lower end 78 of pipe 74 which will be secured toan underground pump unit (not shown) in a Well known manner.

The water discharge assembly 72, when lowered into casing 10, will seatin the tapered portion 18 as shown in FIG. 2. It should be mentionedhere that the walls of portion 18 and the periphery of members 4 and 86are smoothly machined to provide a valve seat type sealing contact, andfor additional sealing assurance, though not necessarily required, Ihave preferably placed a pair of parallel O-rings 90 in grooves 92 inthe periphery of seal 84 and a similar set of O-rings 94 in peripheralgrooves 96 on seal 8d. The taper of the casing wall at 18 provides ameans for the self-centering and support of assembly 72 and eliminatesthe possiblity of an improper seal above or below port 14 which hasoften occurred in other type adapters when any lateral force or twist iscreated or encountered that tends to move the pull pipe out of accurateaxial alignment with the casing.

At opposite sides of pipe 74 between seal members 84 and 86 I havesecured cable conduits 98 and 100 which include the respectivepassageways 1M. and 10d t extending vertically through members 84 and86. While such conduits 9S and 164B may be made in any suitable form, itcan be pointed out that a simple but effective method is to weld pipelengths to pipe 74 intermediate the seal members 84 and 86 and inregistration with suitable passageways therethrough. For carrying thecable (not shown) outside of casing 1G, there are suitable aperturedfittings 196 and 1Q@ provided in the top plate 32.

With this invention constructed and arranged as described, it will beappreciated that the novel tapered portion 13 of casing lit providesmany advantages. These include the self-centering and alignment ofassembly 72 and also the fact that as long as seal members 84 and 86 arein elfective sealing engagement with the casing wall at points above andbelow port 14, the discharge of water through openings S3 willeffectively register with such port. This differs from some otherpitless units where critical tolerances are necessary to provide directsealing engagement between the discharge line in the adapter and 'thedischarge port in the casing. In addition it is pointed out that thewater assembly 72 can be inserted into place in casing 1@ in anyposition of rotation without in any way affecting the proper ilow ofwater from outlets 88 to part 14. This is true since all structurebetween the seal members 84 and S6 is spaced from the casing wall so asto be encircled by the water passageway or chamber 11u. By thisarrangement, assembly 72 cannot be installed in the wrong position andno point of reference nor means for orientation are required forregistering outlets Sti with port 14 as is required in other typepitless installations.

Should any adjustment of seals 84 and 86 relative to sealing engagementwith the walls or portion 18 be necessary due to high pump pressures orwear on the O-rings and 94, if used, or for any other reason, this isaccomplished by suitable adjustment of nuts S2 and 54 whereby assembly72 can be wedged into tight sealing contact with portion 1S. Althoughany such adjustment Would obviously be of minute proportions, it wouldneverthless change the relative position of assembly '72 to a limiteddegree but, as pointed out above, this would in no way interfere withthe flow of water from outlet 88 to port 14 since the sealingarrangement here is not directly between these parts.

There will be occasions when access to the underground pump structuremust be had for servicing, repairs and including complete removal. Forsuch purposes certain tools must of necessity be passed through casing10 to the underground units. In such cases it is highly desirable that atool designed for the full size bore of the submerged casing be used, ifpossible, and this is frequentl1y impossible in many other pitless unitsbecause of various obstructions in structure or other causes that createrestricted areas in the upper casing. This disadvantage is overcome inmy invention since the bottom end 22 of casing 10 has a diameter equalto or greater than that of the submerged casing in which the pumpingunit will be housed. Consequently, with my adapter assembly withdrawnfrom casing 10, the bore of such case is completely free of anyobstruction and will receive a tool of a proper caliber comparable tothe bore of the submerged casing. However, `since portion 18 of thisinvention is a smoothly machined surface that should be kept free ofmars or scratches for efficient functioning, I have provided anelongated pipe insert sleeve 112 to be inserted into casing 1t) as shownin FIG. 4 when servicing tools are to be used. The lower end of sleeve112 is tapered as at 114 to conform to the taper of portion 18 and theouter surface of taper 114 is smoothly machined for a seal-like contactwith taper 1%. The bottom edge of taper 114 terminates below port 14 andslightly above the bottom of the tapered portion 18 so as not todecrease the diameter of the passageway into the lower structure. Inthis way, port 14 is fully closed to any contact from any tool and allof that part of the tapered portion 18 that is susceptible of engagementby seals 84 and 86 is also fully protected. At the upper end of sleeve112, I have placed a transverse row of a plurality of spaced lugs ornipples 116 around the outer surface thereof to abut the inner Wall ofcasing in keeping the sleeve 114 in proper axial alignment relative tocasing 10.

In the specific embodiment of this invention to which the foregoingdescription has been directed, namely, the construction shown in FIGS. land 2, it is pointed out thatV the continuous and progressive taperedconstruction shown at 18 is preferably used only on well casings of lessthan eight inches in diameter since within such limits, the diameter atthe bottom of portion 18 is still equal to or greater than the diameterof the underground casing (not shown) to which it will be attached.However, when the casing 10 has a diameter of eight inches, or greater,for use with a corresponding larger diameter underground casing, aprogressive tapered construction of casing 1@ at the vicinity of port 14would result in a diameter at the lower end of such taper that would betoo small to permit use of a full size tool relative to the diameter ofthe underground casing. Accordingly, for such larger casings, I havemodified the casing structure at the vicinity of port 14 to accomplishthe objects of this invention and without in any way departing from theprinciple thereof. Such modification is illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8where like numerals are given to like parts previously described.

With reference now to FIGS. 7 and 8, the larger bore well casing 116includes the underground discharge port 118 and the circumferentiallyprojecting mounting fiange 120 at the top substantially the same as forcasing 10 except for size. The bore of casing 116 is provided withvertically spaced tapered portions 122 and 124, each of which extenddownwardly and inwardly. Portion 122 begins slightly above the upperplane level 126 of port 11S and extends to a point substantially onplane 126. Portion 124 begins at approximately the lower plane level 12Sof port 118 and extends to a point below such port comparable to thelower extremity of taper 18 in FIG. 2. Thus, there is a tapered boreportion both above and below port 118 and the smallest diameter of taper124 is less than the smallest diameter of taper 122 but equal to orgreater than the diameter of any underground casing to which it will beattached as by the adapter 130.

The construction of the water discharge assembly 72 and its operation isthe same as previously described, except for size as required, with sealmembers 84 and 86 engaged respectively with the tapered portions 122 and124, which, it will be appreciated, provides the same results and eectsas with portion 18.

When the pull pipe 40 is of an appropriately larger diameter for largerinstallations, the mounting of such pipe is slightly varied as shown inFIGS. 7 and 8. This includes a top flange or cover 132 with centeropening 134 and spaced bolt holes 136 near its perimeter similar toplate 32 and similarly mounted on flange 12@ with holes 136 registeringwith holes 13S in the fiange to receive the respective bolts and nuts140.

A threaded washer like adjusting flange 142 having a recessed O-ring 144is mounted on pipe 40 above plate 132 and screwed tightly against theplate 32. Flange 142 is also provided with spaced bolt holes 146 nearits perimeter to register with holes 146 in plate 132 for receiving therespective nuts and bolts 148.

From the above description of FIGS. 7 and 8 it will be appreciated thatthe modification of the tapered construction and the modification of themounting means for the pull pipe at the top of casing 116 create nochanges in principle of this invention but rather provides for itsapplication to well casings of different sizes. It should also bementioned that with the device shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, an appropriatelysized sleeve 112 (FIG. 4) can also be used for the purposes describedtherefor.

From the above description it is submitted that the invention shown anddescribed is aptly suited to achieve the purposes intended and ischaracterized by a combination of highly useful and mutually cooperatingelements that combine their respective and proportionate functions inaccomplishing the objects sought to be obtained.

It Will be understood that the phraselogy employed herein is for thepurpose of description and not for limitation and that modifications andchanges in the construction and arrangement of this invention can bemade within the scope of what is claimed, without departing from thespirit and purpose thereof. It is thus intended to cover by the claims,any modified forms of structure or mechanical equivalents which may bereasonably included within their scope.

I claim:

l. A pitless adapter assembly comprising:

(a) a well casing having a lateral discharge port,

(b) the bore of said casing having a smoothly machined tapered Wallportion extending downwardly and inwardly from a point in closeproximity above said port to a point in close proximity above said port,

(c) an adapter member carried by the lower end of said casing anddesigned for attachment to a submerged well casing,

(d) the diameter of the lower end of said tapered portion being at leastequal to the diameter of the submerged well casing with which it will beassociated,

(e) a pull pipe for insertion into said Well casing,

(f) means at the top of said well casing for supporting said pull pipe,

(g) a water discharge assembly carried by the lower end of said pullpipe,

(h) said water discharge assembly including vertically spaced, smoothlymachined tapered exterior wall portions defining seal members adaptedrespectively for nesting and sealing engagement with the tapered boreportion of said well casing above and below said port respectively,

(i) the area in said well casing intermediate said seal members defininga water chamber in communication with said port,

(j) said water discharge assembly being designed for flow communicationwith a submerged pump unit, and being provided with a water outletintermediate said seal members and in flow communication with said waterchamber, and

(k) means in said water discharge assembly sealing off iiuid flow intosaid pull pipe.

2. A pitless adapter assembly comprising:

(a) a Well casing having a lateral discharge port,

(b) the bore of said casing having a tapered portion extendingdownwardly and inwardly from a point in close proximity above said portto a point in close proximity below said port,

(c) the diameter of the lower end of said tapered portion being at leastequal to the diameter of the submerged well casing with which it will beassociated,

(d) a circumferentially projecting Shoulder at the top of said casing,

(e) a top plate removably attached to said shoulder for providing aclosure at the top of said well casing,

() a pull pipe extending axially through said plate both upwardly anddownwardly into said well casme,

(g) means for securing said pull pipe to said plate and in selectivepositions of penetration into said well casing,

(h) a pipe member secured at its upper end to the lower end of said pullpipe so as to axially depend therefrom,

(i) the lower end of said pipe member designed for uid flowcommunication with a pump unit,

(j) means sealing the upper end of said pipe member against fluid flow,

(k) vertically spaced disc members on said pipe member each havingtapered perimeters adapted respectively for nesting and sealingengagement with the tapered portion of said well casing above and belowsaid port respectively,

(l) the area in said well casing intermediate said seal members dening awater charnber in communication with said port, and

(m) said pipe member being provided with a fluid outlet openingintermediate said seal members and in communication with said waterchamber.

3. A device as dened in claim 2 including:

(a) an enclosed cable passageway adjacent said pipe member intermediatesaid seal members but extending through said respective seal members andalso being closed from communication with said water chamber, and

(b) cable outlet means in said top plate.

4. A device as deiined in claim 2 wherein:

(a) said pull pipe is provided with a lateral opening to create a ventpassageway from the interior of said well casing through said pull pipeto the exterior of said well casing, and

(b) a vent cap on the top end of said pull pipe exteriorly of said wellcasing.

5. A pitless adapter assembly comprising:

(a) a well casing having a lateral discharge port,

(b) the bore of said casing having a tapered portion extendingdownwardly and inwardly from a point in close proximity above said portto a point in close proximity below said port,

(c) the diameter or" the lower end of said tapered portion being atleast equal to the diameter of the submerged well casing with which itwill be associated,

(d) a top plate removably attached to the upper end of said well casing,

(e) a water discharge assembly including vertically spaced taperedsurfaces defining seal members adapted respectively for nesting sealingengagement with the tapered bore portion of said well casing above andbelow said port respectively,

(f) said nesting engagement providing means for supporting said waterdischarge assembly within said well casing,

(g) means connected to said top plate and said water discharge assemblyfor adjustably urging said seal members into sealing engagement withsaid tapered portion,

(h) said water discharge assembly being designed for flow communicationwith a submerged pump unit, and being provided with a water outletintermediate said seal members and with means for flow communicationwith said port, and

(i) means preventing uid flow upwardly from said water dischargeassembly.

6. A pitless adapter assembly comprising:

(a) a well casing having a lateral discharge port,

(b) the bore of said well casing being progressively concentricallyreduced beginning at a point closely adjacent the upper extremity ofsaid port and extending downwardly therefrom,

(c) the smallest diameter of said reduced bore portion being at leastequal to the diameter of the submerged well casing to which it isdesigned to be connected,

(d) a water discharge assembly of progressively reduced diameter fromtop to bottom disposed within said well casing so as to effect a sealingengagement with the reduced bore portion above and below said port,

(e) means on said water discharge assembly for flow communication with asubmerged pump unit,

(f) in said water discharge assembly having a chamber in flowcommunication with said port,

(g) a pull pipe operatively attached at one end to the upper end of saidwell casing so as to project exteriorly thereof and attached at theopposite end to said water discharge assembly, and

(h) closure means at the top of said well casing,

(i) -said pull pipe having a lateral opening at a point within said wellcasing to provide a vent passageway from the interior to the exterior ofsaid well casing, and

(j) means in said water discharge assembly sealing off uid ilow intosaid pull pipe.

7. A pitless adapter assembly comprising:

(a) a well casing having a lateral discharge port,

(b) the bore of said well casing being progressively concentricallyreduced beginning at a point closely adjacent the upper extremity or"said port and extending downwardly therefrom,

(c) the smallest diameter of said reduced bore portion being at leastequal to the diameter of the submerged well casing to which it isdesigned to be connected,

(d) a water discharge assembly of progressively reduced diameter fromtop to bottom disposed within said well casing so as to effect a sealingengagement with the reduced bore portion above and below said port,

(e) means on said water discharge assembly for flow communication with asubmerged pump unit,

(f) in said water discharge assembly having a charnber in flowcommunication with said port,

(g) a top plate on said casing,

(h) a pull pipe attached at one end to said top plate and at the otherend to said water discharge assembly, and

(i) means associated with said pull pipe for adjustably urging saidwater discharge assembly downwardly into sealing engagement with saidreduced bore portion of said well casing, and

(j) means in said water discharge assembly sealing oit uid iiow intosaid pull pipe.

8. A pitless adapter assembly comprising:

(a) a well casing having a lateral discharge port,

(b) the bore of said casing having vertically spaced,

first and second tapered portions,

(c) said rst tapered portion beginning at a point in close proximityabove said port and extending downwardly and inwardly approximately tothe upper level of said port,

(d) said second tapered portion beginning at approximately the lowerlevel of said port and extending downwardly and inwardly therefrom,

(e) the diameter at the narrowest point of said iirst tapered portionbeing less than the diameter of said casing,

(f) the diameter at the narrowest point of said second tapered portionbeing less than that of the corresponding point on said rst taperedportion but being at least equal to the diameter of the submerged wellcasing with which it is designed to be associated,

(g) a top plate removably attached to the upper end of said well casing,

(h) a water discharge assembly including vertically spaced taperedportions deiining seal members adapted respectively for sealingengagement with said respective rst and second tapered portions,

(i) the engagement between said water discharge assembly and said casingproviding means for supporting said water discharge assembly within saidwell casing,

(j) means connected to said water discharge assembly and supported bysaid top plate for removing said water discharge assembly from saidcasing,

(k) said water discharge assembly being designed for 9 flowcommunication with a submerged pump unit, and being provided with awater outlet intermediate said seal membersand with means for owcommunication with said port, and

(l) means preventing fluid flow upwardly from said water dischargeassembly.

9. A pitless adapter assembly comprising:

(a) a well casing having a lateral discharge port,

(b) the bore of said casing being tapered downwardly and inwardly bothabove and below said port, (c) the smallest diameter within said casingbeing at least equal to the diameter of the submerged well casing towhich it is designed to be connected,

(d) a water discharge assembly of progressively reduced diameter fromtop to bottom disposed within said well casing so as to effect a nestingand sealing engagement with the reduced bore portion above and belowsaid port,

(e) means on said water discharge assembly for ilow communication with asubmerged pump unit,

(f) in said water discharge assembly having a charnber in owcommunication with said por-t, and

(g) means attached at one end to the upper end of said casing and at theother end to said water discharge assembly to facilitate insertion andremoval of said water discharge assembly into and out of said wellcasing, and

(h) means preventing fluid ow upwardly from said water dischargeassembly.

10. A pitless adapter assembly comprising:

(a) a well casing having a lateral discharge port, (b) the bore of saidcasing being tapered downward` ly and inwardly both above and below saidport, (c) the smallest diameter of said reduced bore portion being atleast equal to the diameter of the submerged well casing to which it isdesigned to be connected,

(d) a water discharge assembly of progressively reduced diameter fromtop to bottom disposed within said well casing so as to eliect a sealingengagement with the reduced bore portion above and below said port,

(e) means on said water discharge assembly for flow communication with asubmerged pump unit,

(f) in said water discharge assembly having a charnber in owcommunication with said port,

(g) a top plate on said casing,

(h) a pull pipe operatively attached at one end to said top plate so asto project exteriorily thereof and attached at the opposite end to saidwater discharge assembly, and

(i) closure means at the top of said well casing,

(j) said pull pipe having a lateral opening at a point within said wellcasing to provide a vent passageway from the interior to the exterior ofsaid well casing, and

(k) means in said water' discharge assembly sealing off fluid How intosaid pull pipe.

1l. A pitless adapter assembly comprising:

(a) a well casing having a lateral discharge port,

(b) the bore of said casing having a tapered portion extendingdownwardly and inwardly from a point in close proximity above said portto a point in close proximity below said port,

(c) an adapter member carried by the lower end of said casing anddesigned for attachment to a submerged well casing,

(d) the diameter of the lower end of said tapered portion being at leastequal to the diameter of the submerged well casing with which it will beassociated,

(e) a pull pipe for insertion into said well casing,

(f) closure means at the top of said well casing for supporting saidpull pipe,

(g) a water discharge assembly removably attached to the lower end ofsaid pull pipe,

. (h) said water discharge assembly including vertically spaced taperedwall portions defining seal members adapted respectively for sealingengagement with the tapered bore portion of said well casing above andbelow said port respectively,

(z') said water discharge assembly being designed for flow communicationwith a submerged pump unit, and being provided with a water outletintermediate said seal members and constructed for directing owcommunication to said port, and

(j) means in said water discharge assembly sealing oli fluid flow intosaid pull pipe.

12. A device as defined in claim 1l wherein said pull pipe is providedwith a lateral opening to create a vent passageway from the interior ofsaid well casing through said pull pipe to the exterior of said wellcasing.

13. A device as defined in claim 11 wherein:

(a) said water discharge assembly includes an enclosed passageway forthe running of cable from a pump unit, and

(b) outlet means for said cable are provided in said closure means atthe upper end of said well casing.

14. A device as defined in claim 11 wherein:

an O-ring is inset in the tapered wall portion defining each sealmember.

15. A device as defined in claim 11 wherein:

a pair of parallel spaced O-rings are inset in the tapered wall portiondening each seal member.

16. A pitless adapter assembly comprising:

(a) a well casing having a lateral discharge port,

(b) the bore of said casing having a tapered portion extendingdownwardly and inwardly from a point in close proximity above said portto a point in close proximity below said port,

(c) the diameter of the lower end of said tapered portion being Iatleast equal to the diameter of the submerged well casing with which itwill be associated,

(d) a circumferentially projecting shoulder at the top of said casing,

(e) a top plate removably attached to said shoulder,

(f) a pull pipe extending axially through said plate both upwardly anddownwardly into said well cas- 111g,

(g) means for securing said pull pipe to said plate and in .selectivepositions of penetration into said well casing,

(h) a waterdischarge assembly attached to the lower end of said pullpipe,

(i) said water discharge assembly including vertically spaced taperedexterior wall portions dening seal members adapted respectively forsealing engagement with the tapered bore portion of said Well casingabove and below said port respectively,

(j) the area in said well casing intermediate said seal members dening awater chamber in communication with said port,

(k) said water discharge assembly being designed for flow communicationwith a submerged pump unit, and being provided with a water outletintermediate said seal members and in ow communication with said waterchamber, and

(l) means in said water discharge assembly sealing off uid ow into saidpull pipe.

17. A device as defined in claim 16 wherein:

(a) said pull pipe is provided with a lateral opening to create a ventpassageway from the interior of said well casing through said pull pipeto the exterior of said well casing,

(b) a vent cap on the top end of said pull pipe exteriorly of said wellcasing, and

(c) said vent cap being provided with a downwardly directed screenedoutlet opening.

18. A pitless adapter assembly comprising:

(a) a well casing having a lateral discharge port,

(b) the bore of said well casing being progressively 1l 1 concentricallyreduced beginning at a point closely adjacent the upper extremity ofsaid port and extending downwardly therefrom,

(c) the smallest diameter of said reduced bore portion being at leastequal to the diameter of the submerged Well casing to which it isdesigned to be connected,

(d) a water discharge assembly of progressively reduced diameter fromtop to bottom disposed within said well casing so as to effect a nestingand sealing engagement with the reduced bore portion above and belowsaid port and yto be supported thereby,

(e) means on said water discharge assembly for flow communication with asubmerged pump unit,

(f) in said Water discharge assembly having a chamber in flowcommunication with said port,

(g) means attached at one end to the upper end of said casing and at theother end to said water discharge assembly to facilitate removal of saidwater discharge means at times, and

12 (h) means preventing uid ow upwardly from said Water dischargeassembly. 19. A device as defined in claim 18 wherein said waterdischarge assembly is provided with an enclosed through 5 passageway forthe running of cable from a pump unit.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS1,838,401 Howard Dec. 29, 1931 2,010,992 Howard Aug. 13, 1935 2,689,611Martinson Sept. 21, 1954 2,859,823 Bauer Nov. 11, 1958 2,918,972 TubbsDec. 29, 1959 2,931,379 Haydin Apr. 5, 1960 2,949,961 Anderson Aug. 23,1960 2,960,166 Haydin et al. NOV. 15, 1960 3,065,792 Andrew Nov. 27,1962 FOREIGN PATENTS 581,421 Canada Aug. 18, 1959

1. A PITLESS ADAPTER ASSEMBLY COMPRISING: (A) A WELL CASING HAVING ALATERAL DISCHARGE PORT, (B) THE BORE OF SAID CASING HAVING A SMOOTHLYMACHINED TAPERED WALL PORTION EXTENDING DOWNWARDLY AND INWARDLY FROM APOINT IN CLOSE PROXIMITY ABOVE SAID PORT TO A POINT IN CLOSE PROXIMITYABOVE SAID PORT, (C) AN ADAPTER MEMBER CARRIED BY THE LOWER END OF SAIDCASING AND DESIGNED FOR ATTACHMENT TO A SUBMERGED WELL CASING, (D) THEDIAMETER OF THE LOWER END OF SAID TAPERED PORTION BEING AT LEAST EQUALTO THE DIAMETER OF THE SUBMERGED WELL CASING WITH WHICH IT WILL BEASSOCIATED, (E) A PULL PIPE FOR INSERTION INTO SAID WELL CASING, (F)MEANS AT THE TOP OF SAID WELL CASING FOR SUPPORTING SAID PULL PIPE, (G)A WATER DISCHARGE ASSEMBLY CARRIED BY THE LOWER END OF SAID PULL PIPE,(H) SAID WATER DISCHARGE ASSEMBLY INCLUDING VERTICALLY SPACED, SMOOTHLYMACHINED TAPERED EXTERIOR WALL PORTIONS DEFINING SEAL MEMBERS ADAPTEDRESPECTIVELY FOR NESTING AND SEALING ENGAGEMENT WITH THE TAPERED BOREPORTION OF SAID WELL CASING ABOVE AND BELOW SAID PORT RESPECTIVELY, (I)THE AREA IN SAID WELL CASING INTERMEDIATE SAID SEAL MEMBERS DEFINING AWATER CHAMBER IN COMMUNICATION WITH SAID PORT, (J) SAID WATER DISCHARGEASSEMBLY BEING DESIGNED FOR FLOW COMMUNICATION WITH A SUBMERGED PUMPUNIT, AND BEING PROVIDED WITH A WATER OUTLET INTERMEDIATE SAID SEALMEMBERS AND IN FLOW COMMUNICATION WITH SAID WATER CHAMBER, AND (K) MEANSIN SAID WATER DISCHARGE ASSEMBLY SEALING OFF FLUID FLOW INTO SAID PULLPIPE.